2017 AMDA Conference

Clinical challenges such as pain, wounds, and heart failure are prevalent in the PA/LTC setting and managing these conditions effectively requires that the interprofessional team develop a plan of care that supports patient-centered goals that are both realistic and achievable while striving to provide optimal care to each patient. Pain in the PA/LTC setting affects rehabilitation and mood and pain management should be considered a patient’s right in the PA/LTC setting. However, with the opioid epidemic and new rules it is essential to follow the regulations, but also address pain effectively. Pressure ulcers and other wounds remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality, affecting an estimated 2.5 million patients per year and costing up to $11.6 billion dollars per year in the United States. Readmission after a hospitalization for heart failure is still common among PA/LTC patients, with almost half of the patients readmitted within 6 months. Furthermore, for each of these conditions, older adults almost always have multimorbidity that influences the treatment of the primary condition. The workshop will utilize the clinical practice guidelines and their accompanying pocket guides as a framework for discussion of common patient scenarios involving acute and chronic pain, wounds, and heart failure. During the workshop, there will be specific attention to strategies for utilization and implementation of the evidence-based guidelines in the real world.

Learning Objectives:
(1) Discuss best practice methods to promote the interprofessional implementation of clinical practice guidelines in their facilities.
(2) Incorporate the pain management, pressure ulcers and other wounds, and heart failure clinical practice guidelines in their facilities.